Digital camera system having motion deblurring means

ABSTRACT

A camera system is disclosed having the ability to overcome the effects of motion blur. The camera system includes an image sensor; a velocity detection means such as a MEMS accelerometer for determining any motion of the image relative to an external environment; a processor means interconnected to the image sensor and the velocity detection means and adapted to process the sensed image so as to deblurr the image and to output the deblurred image to a printer means.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following Australian provisional patent applications are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. For the purposes of location and identification, U.S. patent applications identified by their U.S. patent application serial numbers (U.S. Ser. No.) are listed alongside the Australian applications from which the U.S. patent applications claim the right of priority.

Ink Jet Printing

A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed to facilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing and data distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can be included in printer devices incorporated as part of the present invention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to these ink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO8066 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,227,652 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ01) PO8072 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,213,588 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ02) PO8040 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,213,589 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ03) PO8071 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,231,163 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ04) PO8047 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,247,795 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ05) PO8035 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,394,581 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ06) PO8044 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,244,691 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ07) PO8063 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,257,704 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ08) PO8057 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,416,168 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ09) PO8056 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,220,694 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ10) PO8069 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,257,705 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ11) PO8049 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,247,794 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ12) PO8036 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,234,610 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ13) PO8048 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,247,793 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ14) PO8070 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,264,306 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ15) PO8067 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,241,342 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ16) PO8001 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,247,792 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ17) PO8038 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,264,307 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ18) PO8033 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,254,220 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ19) PO8002 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,234,611 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ20) PO8068 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,302,528) Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ21) PO8062 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,283,582 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ22) PO8034 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,239,821 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ23) PO8039 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,338,547 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ24) PO8041 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,247,796 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ25) PO8004 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,557,977 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ26) PO8037 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,390,603 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ27) PO8043 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,362,843 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ28) PO8042 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,293,653 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ29) PO8064 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Creation 6,312,107 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ30) PO9389 Sep. 23, 1997 Image Creation 6,227,653 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ31) PO9391 Sep. 23, 1997 Image Creation 6,234,609 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ32) PP0888 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,238,040 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ33) PP0891 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,188,415 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ34) PP0890 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,227,654 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ35) PP0873 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,209,989 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ36) PP0993 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,247,791 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ37) PP0890 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,336,710 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ38) PP1398 Jan. 19, 1998 An Image Creation 6,217,153 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ39) PP2592 Mar. 25, 1998 An Image Creation 6,416,167 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ40) PP2593 Mar. 25, 1998 Image Creation 6,243,113 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ41) PP3991 Jun. 9, 1998 Image Creation 6,283,581 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ42) PP3987 Jun. 9, 1998 Image Creation 6,247,790 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ43) PP3985 Jun. 9, 1998 Image Creation 6,260,953 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ44) PP3983 Jun. 9, 1998 Image Creation 6,267,469 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ45) Ink Jet Manufacturing

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO7935 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,224,780 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM01) PO7936 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,235,212 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM02) PO7937 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,280,643 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM03) PO8061 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,284,147 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM04) PO8054 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,214,244 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM05) PO8065 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,071,750 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM06) PO8055 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,267,905 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM07) PO8053 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,251,298 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM08) PO8078 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,258,285 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM09) PO7933 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,225,138 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM10) PO7950 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,241,904 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM11) PO7949 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,299,786 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM12) PO8060 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 09/113,124 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM13) PO8059 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,231,773 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM14) PO8073 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,190,931 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM15) PO8076 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,248,249 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM16) PO8075 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,290,862 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM17) PO8079 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,241,906 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM18) PO8050 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,565,762 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM19) PO8052 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,241,905 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM20) PO7948 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,451,216 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM21) PO7951 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,231,772 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM22) PO8074 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,274,056 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM23) PO7941 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,290,861 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM24) PO8077 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,248,248 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM25) PO8058 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,306,671 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM26) PO8051 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,331,258 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM27) PO8045 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,110,754 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM28) PO7952 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,294,101 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM29) PO8046 Jul. 15, 1997 A Method of 6,416,679 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM30) PO8503 Aug. 11, 1997 A Method of 6,264,849 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM30a) PO9390 Sep. 23, 1997 A Method of 6,254,793 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM31) PO9392 Sep. 23, 1997 A Method of 6,235,211 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM32) PP0889 Dec. 12, 1997 A Method of 6,235,211 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM35) PP0887 Dec. 12, 1997 A Method of 6,264,850 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM36) PP0882 Dec. 12, 1997 A Method of 6,258,284 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM37) PP0874 Dec. 12, 1997 A Method of 6,258,284 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM38) PP1396 Jan. 19, 1998 A Method of 6,228,668 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM39) PP2591 Mar. 25, 1998 A Method of 6,180,427 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM41) PP3989 Jun. 9, 1998 A Method of 6,171,875 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM40) PP3990 Jun. 9, 1998 A Method of 6,267,904 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM42) PP3986 Jun. 9, 1998 A Method of 6,245,247 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM43) PP3984 Jun. 9, 1998 A Method of 6,245,247 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM44) PP3982 Jun. 9, 1998 A Method of 6,231,148 Manufacture of an (Jul. 10, 1998) Image Creation Apparatus (IJM45) Fluid Supply

Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system to the ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to a series of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/ Provisional Patent Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO8003 Jul. 15, 1997 Supply Method and 6,350,023 Apparatus (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8005 Jul. 15, 1997 Supply Method and 6,318,849 Apparatus (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9404 Sep. 23, 1997 A Device and 09/113,101 Method (F3) (Jul. 10, 1998) MEMS Technology

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor microelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO7943 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS01) PO8006 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8007 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MIEMS03) 09/113,093 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8008 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8010 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS05) 6,041,600 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8011 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS06) 6,299,300 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7947 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS07) 6,067,797 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7945 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS08) Not filed PO7944 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS09) 6,286,935 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7946 Jul. 15, 1997 A device (MEMS10) 6,044,646 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9393 Sep. 23, 1997 A Device and Method 09/113,065 (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0875 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device (MEMS12) 09/113,078 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0894 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 09/113,075 (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998) IR Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a disposable camera system such as those described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PP0895 Dec. 12, 1997 An Image Creation 6,231,148 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IR01) PP0870 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 09/113,106 (IR02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0869 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 6,293,658 (IR04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,614,560 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IR05) PP0885 Dec. 12, 1997 An Image Production 6,238,033 System (IR06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0884 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,312,070 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IR10) PP0886 Dec. 12, 1997 Image Creation 6,238,111 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IR12) PP0871 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 09/113,086 (IR13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0876 Dec. 12, 1997 An image Processing 09/113,094 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IR14) PP0877 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 6,378,970 (IR16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0878 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 6,196,739 (IR17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0879 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 09/112,774 (IR18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0883 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 6,270,182 (IR19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0880 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 6,152,619 (IR20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0881 Dec. 12, 1997 A Device and Method 09/113,092 (IR21) (Jul. 10, 1998) DotCard Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a data distribution system such as that described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PP2370 Mar. 16, 1998 Data Processing 09/112,781 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (Dot01) PP2371 Mar. 16, 1998 Data Processing 09/113,052 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (Dot02) Artcam Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of camera and data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device as described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding U.S. patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO7991 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 09/113,060 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART01) PO7988 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,476,863 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART02) PO7993 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 09/113,073 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART03) PO9395 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 6,322,181 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART04) PO8017 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,597,817 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART06) PO8014 Jul. 15, 1997 Media Device 6,227,648 (ART07) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8025 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 09/112,750 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART08) PO8032 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,690,419 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART09) PO7999 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 09/112,743 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART10) PO7998 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 09/112,742 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART11) PO8031 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 09/112,741 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART12) PO8030 Jul. 15, 1997 Media Device 6,196,541 (ART13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7997 Jul. 15, 1997 Media Device 6,195,150 (ART15) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7979 Jul. 15, 1997 Media Device 6,362,868 (ART16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8015 Jul. 15, 1997 Media Device 09/112,738 (ART17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7978 Jul. 15, 1997 Media Device 09/113,067 (ART18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7982 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 6,431,669 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART19) PO7989 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 6,362,869 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART20) PO8019 Jul. 15, 1997 Media Processing 6,472,052 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART21) PO7980 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,356,715 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART22) PO8018 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 09/112,777 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART24) PO7938 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,636,216 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART25) PO8016 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,366,693 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART26) PO8024 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,329,990 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART27) PO7940 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 09/113,072 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART28) PO7939 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 6,459,495 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART29) PO8501 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing 6,137,500 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART30) PO8500 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing 6,690,416 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART31) PO7987 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 09/113,071 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART32) PO8022 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,398,328 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART33) PO8497 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing 09/113,090 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART34) PO8020 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 6,431,704 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART38) PO8023 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 09/113,222 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART39) PO8504 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing 09/112,786 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART42) PO8000 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 6,415,054 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART43) PO7977 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 09/112,782 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART44) PO7934 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 6,665,454 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART45) PO7990 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 09/113,059 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART46) PO8499 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing 6,486,886 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART47) PO8502 Aug. 11, 1997 Image Processing 6,381,361 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART48) PO7981 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 6,317,192 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART50) PO7986 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 09/113,057 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART51) PO7983 Jul. 15, 1997 Data Processing 09/113,054 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART52) PO8026 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,646,757 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART53) PO8027 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 09/112,759 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART54) PO8028 Jul. 15, 1997 Image Processing 6,624,848 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART56) PO9394 Sep. 23, 1997 Image Processing 6,357,135 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART57) PO9396 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 09/113,107 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART58) PO9397 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 6,271,931 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART59) PO9398 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 6,353,772 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART60) PO9399 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 6,106,147 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART61) PO9400 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 6,665,008 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART62) PO9401 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 6,304,291 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART63) PO9402 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 09/112,788 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART64) PO9403 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 6,305,770 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART65) PO9405 Sep. 23, 1997 Data Processing 6,289,262 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART66) PP0959 Dec. 16, 1997 A Data Processing 6,315,200 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (ART68) PP1397 Jan. 19, 1998 A Media Device 6,217,165 (ART69) (Jul. 10, 1998)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to digital image processing and in particular discloses A Camera System Having Motion Deblurring Means.

Further the present invention relates to the field of digital image cameras and in particular discloses a camera system having motion blur compensating means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motion blur in the taking of images is a common significant problem. The motion blur normally occurs as a result of movement of the camera while taking the picture or otherwise as a result of movement of objects within an image.

As a result of motion blur, it is often the case that the image taken is non optimal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera system having the ability to overcome the effects of motion blur. In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a camera system for outputting deblurred images, said system comprising;

-   -   an image sensor for sensing an image; a velocity detection means         for determining any motion of said image relative to an external         environment and to produce a velocity output indicative thereof,         a processor means interconnected to said image sensor and said         velocity detection means and adapted to process said sensed         image utilising the velocity output so as to deblurr said image         and to output said deblurred image.

Preferably, the camera system is connected to a printer means for immediate output of said deblurred image and is a portable handheld unit. The velocity detection means can comprise an accelerometer such as a micro-electro mechanical (MEMS) device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic implementation of the preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the main Artcam electronic components (as reproduced from FIG. 2 of Australian Provisional Patent Application No. PO7991).

As described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. PO7991, the camera system incorporates an Artcard linear sensor 34 which converts the Artcard data image to electrical signals, which are communicated to the ACP. The linear image sensor is illustrated in FIG. 2, which is a reproduction of FIG. 2 of Australian Provisional Patent Application No. PO7991. The linear image sensor can be fabricated using either CCD or APS CMOS technology. The active length of the linear image sensor is 50 mm, equal to the width of the data array on the Artcard. To satisfy Nyquist's sampling theorem, the resolution of the linear image sensor must be at least twice the highest spatial frequency of the Artcard optical image reaching the linear image sensor. In practice, data detection is easier if the linear image sensor resolution is substantially above this. A resolution of 4800 dpi (189 dpmm) is chosen, giving a total of 9,450 pixels. This resolution requires a pixel sensor pitch of 5.3 [mu]m. This can readily be achieved by using four staggered rows of 20 [mu]m pixel sensors.

The linear image sensor is mounted in a special package which includes an LED to illuminate the Artcard via a light-pipe.

The Artcard reader light-pipe can be a molded light-pipe which has several functions:

1. It diffuses the light from the LED over the width of the card using total internal reflection facets.

2. It focuses the light onto a 16 [mu]m wide strip of the Artcard using an integrated cylindrical lens.

3. It focuses light reflected from the Artcard onto the linear image sensor pixels using a molded array of microlenses.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment is preferably implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. PO7991 filed 15 Jul. 1997 entitled “Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART01)”, in addition to Australian Provisional Patent Application entitled “Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART01a)” filed concurrently herewith by the present applicant, the content of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross reference.

The aforementioned patent specifications disclose a camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images can be directly printed out by an internal Artcam portable camera unit. Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device leading to the production of various effects in any output image. The manipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards hereinafter being known as “Artcards”. The Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage of important data and images.

In the preferred embodiment, the Artcam device is modified so as to include a two dimensional motion sensor. The motion sensor can comprise a small micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device or other suitable device able to detect motion in two axes. The motion sensor can be mounted on the camera device and its output monitored by the Artcam central processor device which is disclosed in the afore-mentioned patent specifications. Turning now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a schematic of the preferred arrangement of the preferred embodiment. The accelerometer 1 outputs to the Artcard processor 2 which also receives the blurred sensed image from the CCD device. The Artcard processor 2 utilises the accelerometer readings so as to determine a likely angular velocity of the camera when the picture was taken. This velocity factor is then utilised by a suitably programmed Artcard processor 2 to apply a deblurring function to the blurred sensed image 3 thereby outputting a deblurred output image 4. The programming of the Artcard processor 2 so as to perform the deblurring can utilise standard algorithms known to those skilled in the art of computer programming and digital image restoration. For example, reference is made to the “Selected Papers on Digital Image Restoration”, M. Ibrahim Sezan, Editor, SPIE Milestone series, volume 74, and in particular the reprinted paper at pages 167–175 thereof. Further, simplified techniques are shown in the “Image Processing Handbook”, second edition, by John C. Russ, published by CRC Press at pages 336–341 thereof.

It would be therefore obvious to the person skilled in the art that many different techniques for motion blur removal can be utilised in the preferred embodiment. Additionally, other forms of motion sensors may be provided. Once the input image has been deblurred, the image is then able to be printed out by the Artcam device in accordance with the techniques as discussed in the afore-mentioned patent specification.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Ink Jet Technologies

The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Of course many different devices could be used. However presently popular ink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.

The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption. This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stems from the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves the rapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink. Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermal inkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost. Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drive voltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, each piezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on a separate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the current limit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment to the fabrication of pagewidth print heads with 19,200 nozzles.

Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements of in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, low cost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digital photography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The target features include:

low power (less than 10 Watts)

high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)

photographic quality output

low manufacturing cost

small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)

high speed (<2 seconds per page).

All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. Forty-five different inkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in the table under the heading “Cross References to Related Applications”.

The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digital printing systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras, through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercial printing systems.

For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the printhead is designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS post processing. For color photographic applications, the printhead is 100 mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallest printhead designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip area of 35 square mm. The printheads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus data and control circuitry.

Ink is supplied to the back of the printhead by injection molded plastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which can be created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standard injection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the wafer to the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. The printhead is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automated bonding.

Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets

Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation of individual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristics are largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an eleven dimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix include entries developed by the present assignee.

The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.

Actuator mechanism (18 types)

Basic operation mode (7 types)

Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)

Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)

Actuator motion (19 types)

Nozzle refill method (4 types)

Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)

Nozzle clearing method (9 types)

Nozzle plate construction (9 types)

Drop ejection direction (5 types)

Ink type (7 types)

The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains 36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all of the possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, many million configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical to elucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjet types have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 to IJ45 which match the docket numbers in the table under the heading Cross References to Related Applications.

Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these forty-five examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more of the 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjet printheads with characteristics superior to any currently available inkjet technology.

Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more of these examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below. The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In some cases, print technology may be listed more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics with more than one entry.

Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers, Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers, Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging, Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrial printing systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.

The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrix are set out in the following tables.

ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS) Actuator Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Thermal An electrothermal Large force generated High power Canon Bubblejet bubble heater heats the ink to Simple construction Ink carrier limited to 1979 Endo et al GB above boiling point, No moving parts water patent 2,007,162 transferring Fast operation Low efficiency Xerox heater-in-pit significant heat to the Small chip area required High temperatures 1990 Hawkins et al aqueous ink. A for actuator required U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 bubble nucleates and High mechanical stress Hewlett-Packard TIJ quickly forms, Unusual materials 1982 Vaught et al U.S. Pat. expelling the ink, required No. 4,490,728 The efficiency of the Large drive transistors process is low, with Cavitation causes typically less than actuator failure 0.05% of the Kogation reduces bubble electrical energy formation being transformed Large print heads are into kinetic energy of difficult to fabricate the drop. Piezoelectric A piezoelectric Low power consumption Very large area required Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No. crystal such as lead Many ink types can be for actuator 3,946,398 lanthanum zirconate used Difficult to integrate Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. (PZT) is electrically Fast operation with electronics 3,683,212 activated, and either High efficiency High voltage drive 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No. expands, shears, or transistors required 3,747,120 bends to apply Full pagewidth print Epson Stylus pressure to the ink heads impractical due to Tektronix ejecting drops. actuator size IJ04 Requires electrical poling in high field strengths during manufacture Electro- An electric field is Low power consumption Low maximum strain Seiko Epson, Usui et strictive used to activate Many ink types can be (approx. 0.01%) all JP 253401/96 electrostriction in used Large area required for IJ04 relaxor materials such Low thermal expansion actuator due to low strain as lead lanthanum Electric field strength Response speed is zirconate titanate required (approx. 3.5 marginal (~10 μs) (PLZT) or lead V/μm) can be generated High voltage drive magnesium niobate without difficulty transistors required (PMN). Does not require Full pagewidth print electrical poling heads impractical due to actuator size Ferroelectric An electric field is Low power consumption Difficult to integrate IJ04 used to induce a Many ink types can be with electronics phase transition used Unusual materials such between the Fast operation (<1 μs) as PLZSnT are required antiferroelectric Relatively high Actuators require a large (AFE) and longitudinal strain area ferroelectric (FE) High efficiency phase. Perovskite Electric field strength of materials such as tin around 3 V/μm can be modified lead around readily provided lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit large strains of up to 1% associated with the AFE to FE phase transition. Electrostatic Conductive plates are Low power consumption Difficult to operate IJ02, IJ04 plates separated by a Many ink types can be electrostatic devices in an compressible or fluid used aqueous environment dielectric (usually Fast operation The electrostatic air). Upon application actuator will normally need of a voltage, the to be separated from the plates attract each ink other and displace Very large area required ink, causing drop to achieve high forces ejection. The High voltage drive conductive plates transistors may be required may be in a comb or Full pagewidth print honeycomb structure, heads are not competitive or stacked to increase due to actuator size the surface area and therefore the force. Electrostatic A strong electric field Low current High voltage required 1989 Saito et al, U.S. Pat. pull on ink is applied to the ink, consumption May be damaged by No. 4,799,068 whereupon Low temperature sparks due to air 1989 Miura et al, electrostatic attraction breakdown U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,954 accelerates the ink Required field strength Tone-jet towards the print increases as the drop size medium. decreases High voltage drive transistors required Electrostatic field attracts dust Permanent An electromagnet Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ07, IJ10 magnet directly attracts a Many ink types can be Permanent magnetic electro- permanent magnet, used material such as magnetic displacing ink and Fast operation Neodymium Iron Boron causing drop ejection. High efficiency (NdFeB) required. Rare earth magnets Easy extension from High local currents with a field strength single nozzles to required around 1 Tesla can be pagewidth print heads Copper metalization used. Examples are: should be used for long Samarium Cobalt electromigration lifetime (SaCo) and magnetic and low resistivity materials in the Pigmented inks are neodymium iron usually infeasible boron family Operating temperature (NdFeB, limited to the Curie NdDyFeBNb, temperature (around 540 NdDyFeB, etc) K.) Soft A solenoid induced a Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, IJ10 magnetic magnetic field in a Many ink types can be Materials not usually IJ12, IJ14, IJ15, IJ17 core electro- soft magnetic core or used present in a CMOS fab magnetic yoke fabricated from Fast operation such as NiFe, CoNiFe, or a ferrous material High efficiency CoFe are required such as electroplated Easy extension from High local currents iron alloys such as single nozzles to required CoNiFe [1], CoFe, or pagewidth print heads Copper metalization NiFe alloys. should be used for long Typically, the soft electromigration lifetime magnetic material is and low resistivity in two parts, which Electroplating is are normally held required apart by a spring. High saturation flux When the solenoid is density is required (2.0–2.1 actuated, the two T is achievable with parts attract, CoNiFe [1]) displacing the ink. Magnetic The Lorenz force Low power consumption Force acts as a twisting IJ06, IJ11, IJ13, IJ16 Lorenz force acting on a current Many ink types can be motion carrying wire in a used Typically, only a quarter magnetic field is Fast operation of the solenoid length utilized. High efficiency provides force in a useful This allows the Easy extension from direction magnetic field to be single nozzles to High local currents supplied externally to pagewidth print heads required the print head, for Copper metalization example with rare should be used for long earth permanent electromigration lifetime magnets. and low resistivity Only the current Pigmented inks are carrying wire need be usually infeasible fabricated on the print-head, simplifying materials requirements. Magneto- The actuator uses the Many ink types can be Force acts as a twisting Fischenbeck, U.S. Pat. No. striction giant magnetostrictive used motion 4,032,929 effect of materials Fast operation Unusual materials such IJ25 such as Terfenol-D Easy extension from as Terfenol-D are required (an alloy of terbium, single nozzles to High local currents dysprosium and iron pagewidth print heads required developed at the High force is available Copper metalization Naval Ordnance should be used for long Laboratory, hence electromigration lifetime Ter-Fe-NOL). For and low resistivity best efficiency, the Pre-stressing may be actuator should be required pre-stressed to approx. 8 MPa. Surface Ink under positive Low power consumption Requires supplementary Silverbrook, EP 0771 tension pressure is held in a Simple construction force to effect drop 658 A2 and related reduction nozzle by surface No unusual materials separation patent applications tension. The surface required in fabrication Requires special ink tension of the ink is High efficiency surfactants reduced below the Easy extension from Speed may be limited by bubble threshold, single nozzles to surfactant properties causing the ink to pagewidth print heads egress from the nozzle. Viscosity The ink viscosity is Simple construction Requires supplementary Silverbrook, EP 0771 reduction locally reduced to No unusual materials force to effect drop 658 A2 and related select which drops required in fabrication separation patent applications are to be ejected. A Easy extension from Requires special ink viscosity reduction single nozzles to viscosity properties can be achieved pagewidth print heads High speed is difficult to electrothermally with achieve most inks, but special Requires oscillating ink inks can be pressure engineered for a A high temperature 100:1 viscosity difference (typically 80 reduction. degrees) is required Acoustic An acoustic wave is Can operate without a Complex drive circuitry 1993 Hadimioglu et generated and nozzle plate Complex fabrication al, EUP 550,192 focussed upon the Low efficiency 1993 Elrod et al, drop ejection region. Poor control of drop EUP 572,220 position Poor control of drop volume Thermoelastic An actuator which Low power consumption Efficient aqueous IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, IJ18 bend relies upon Many ink types can be operation requires a IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, IJ22 actuator differential thermal used thermal insulator on the IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 expansion upon Joule Simple planar hot side IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 heating is used. fabrication Corrosion prevention IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 Small chip area required can be difficult IJ37, IJ38 ,IJ39, IJ40 for each actuator Pigmented inks may be IJ41 Fast operation infeasible, as pigment High efficiency particles may jam the bend CMOS compatible actuator voltages and currents Standard MEMS processes can be used Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads High CTE A material with a High force can be Requires special material IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 thermoelastic very high coefficient generated (e.g. PTFE) IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 actuator of thermal expansion PTFE is a candidate for Requires a PTFE IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30 (CTE) such as low dielectric constant deposition process, which IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 polytetrafluoroethylene insulation in ULSI is not yet standard in ULSI (PTFE) is used. As Very low power fabs high CTE materials consumption PTFE deposition cannot are usually non- Many ink types can be be followed with high conductive, a heater used temperature (above 350° C.) fabricated from a Simple planar processing conductive material is fabrication Pigmented inks may be incorporated. A 50 Small chip area required infeasible, as pigment μm long PTFE bend for each actuator particles may jam the bend actuator with Fast operation actuator polysilicon heater and High efficiency 15 mW power input CMOS compatible can provide 180 μN voltages and currents force and 10 μm Easy extension from deflection. Actuator single nozzles to motions include: pagewidth print heads Bend Push Buckle Rotate Conductive A polymer with a High force can be Requires special IJ24 polymer high coefficient of generated materials development thermoelastic thermal expansion Very low power (High CTE conductive actuator (such as PTFE) is consumption polymer) doped with Many ink types can be Requires a PTFE conducting used deposition process, which substances to increase Simple planar is not yet standard in ULSI its conductivity to fabrication fabs about 3 orders of Small chip area required PTFE deposition cannot magnitude below that for each actuator be followed with high of copper. The Fast operation temperature (above 350° C.) conducting polymer High efficiency processing expands when CMOS compatible Evaporation and CVD resistively heated. voltages and currents deposition techniques Examples of Easy extension from cannot be used conducting dopants single nozzles to Pigmented inks may be include: pagewidth print heads infeasible, as pigment Carbon nanotubes particles may jam the bend Metal fibers actuator Conductive polymers such as doped polythiophene Carbon granules Shape A shape memory High force is available Fatigue limits maximum IJ26 memory alloy such as TiNi (stresses of hundreds of number of cycles alloy (also known as MPa) Low strain (1%) is Nitinol - Nickel Large strain is available required to extend fatigue Titanium alloy (more than 3%) resistance developed at the High corrosion Cycle rate limited by Naval Ordnance resistance heat removal Laboratory) is Simple construction Requires unusual thermally switched Easy extension from materials (TiNi) between its weak single nozzles to The latent heat of martensitic state and pagewidth print heads transformation must be its high stiffness Low voltage operation provided austenic state. The High current operation shape of the actuator Requires pre-stressing to in its martensitic state distort the martensitic state is deformed relative to the austenic shape. The shape change causes ejection of a drop. Linear Linear magnetic Linear Magnetic Requires unusual IJ12 Magnetic actuators include the actuators can be semiconductor materials Actuator Linear Induction constructed with high such as soft magnetic Actuator (LIA), thrust, long travel, and alloys (e.g. CoNiFe [1]) Linear Permanent high efficiency using Some varieties also Magnet Synchronous planar semiconductor require permanent Actuator (LPMSA), fabrication techniques magnetic materials such as Linear Reluctance Long actuator travel is Neodymium iron boron Synchronous available (NdFeB) Actuator (LRSA), Medium force is Requires complex multi- Linear Switched available phase drive circuitry Reluctance Actuator Low voltage operation High current operation (LSRA), and the Linear Stepper Actuator (LSA).

BASIC OPERATION MODE Operational mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Actuator directly This is the simplest Simple operation Drop repetition Thermal inkjet pushes ink mode of operation: the No external fields rate is usually Piezoelectric inkjet actuator directly required limited to less IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, IJ04 supplies sufficient Satellite drops can be than 10 KHz. IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, IJ09 kinetic energy to expel avoided if drop velocity However, this is IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, IJ16 the drop. The drop is less than 4 m/s not fundamental IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 must have a sufficient Can be efficient, to the method, but IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28 velocity to overcome depending upon the is related to the IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 the surface tension, actuator used refill method IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 normally used IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40 All of the drop IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 kinetic energy must be provided by the actuator Satellite drops usually form if drop velocity is greater than 4.5 m/s Proximity The drops to be printed Very simple print head Requires close Silverbrook, EP 0771 are selected by some fabrication can be used proximity 658 A2 and related manner (e.g. thermally The drop selection between the print patent applications induced surface tension means does not need to head and the print reduction of provide the energy media or transfer pressurized ink), required to separate the roller Selected drops are drop from the nozzle May require separated from the ink two print heads in the nozzle by contact printing alternate with the print medium rows of the image or a transfer roller. Monolithic color print heads are difficult Electrostatic pull The drops to be printed Very simple print head Requires very Silverbrook, EP 0771 on ink are selected by some fabrication can be used high electrostatic 658 A2 and related manner (e.g. thermally The drop selection field patent applications induced surface tension means does not need to Electrostatic Tone-Jet reduction of provide the energy field for small pressurized ink), required to separate the nozzle sizes is Selected drops are drop from the nozzle above air separated from the ink breakdown in the nozzle by a Electrostatic strong electric field. field may attract dust Magnetic pull on The drops to be printed Very simple print head Requires Silverbrook, EP 0771 ink are selected by some fabrication can be used magnetic ink 658 A2 and related manner (e.g. thermally The drop selection ink colors other patent applications induced surface tension means does not need to than black are reduction of provide the energy difficult pressurized ink), required to separate the Requires very Selected drops are drop from the nozzle high magnetic separated from the ink fields in the nozzle by a strong magnetic field acting on the magnetic ink. Shutter The actuator moves a High speed (>50 KHz) Moving parts IJ13, IJ17, IJ21 shutter to block ink operation can be are required flow to the nozzle. The achieved due to reduced Requires ink ink pressure is pulsed refill time pressure at a multiple of the Drop timing can be modulator drop ejection very accurate Friction and frequency. The actuator energy wear must be can be very low considered Stiction is possible Shuttered grill The actuator moves a Actuators with small Moving parts IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, IJ19 shutter to block ink travel can be used are required flow through a grill to Actuators with small Requires ink the nozzle. The shutter force can be used pressure movement need only be High speed (>50 KHz) modulator equal to the width of operation can be Friction and the grill holes. achieved wear must be considered Stiction is possible Pulsed magnetic A pulsed magnetic field Extremely low energy Requires an IJ10 pull on ink pusher attracts an ‘ink pusher’ operation is possible external pulsed at the drop ejection No heat dissipation magnetic field frequency. An actuator problems Requires controls a catch, which special materials prevents the ink pusher for both the from moving when a actuator and the drop is not to be ink pusher ejected. Complex construction

AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) Auxiliary Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None The actuator directly fires Simplicity of Drop ejection Most inkjets, the ink drop, and there is construction energy must be including piezoelectric no external field or other Simplicity of operation supplied by and thermal bubble. mechanism required. Small physical size individual nozzle IJ01–IJ07, IJ09, IJ11 actuator IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22 IJ23–IJ45 Oscillating ink The ink pressure oscillates, Oscillating ink Requires Silverbrook, EP 0771 pressure providing much of the drop pressure can provide a external ink 658 A2 and related (including ejection energy. The refill pulse, allowing pressure oscillator patent applications acoustic actuator selects which higher operating speed Ink pressure IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 stimulation) drops are to be fired by The actuators may phase and IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 selectively blocking or operate with much lower amplitude must be enabling nozzles. The ink energy carefully pressure oscillation may be Acoustic lenses can be controlled achieved by vibrating the used to focus the sound Acoustic print head, or preferably by on the nozzles reflections in the an actuator in the ink ink chamber must supply. be designed for Media The print head is placed in Low power Precision Silverbrook, EP 0771 proximity close proximity to the print High accuracy assembly required 658 A2 and related medium. Selected drops Simple print head Paper fibers patent applications protrude from the print construction may cause head further than problems unselected drops, and Cannot print on contact the print medium. rough substrates The drop soaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation. Transfer Drops are printed to a High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP 0771 roller transfer roller instead of Wide range of print Expensive 658 A2 and related straight to the print substrates can be used Complex patent applications medium. A transfer roller Ink can be dried on the construction Tektronix hot melt can also be used for transfer roller piezoelectric inkjet proximity drop separation. Any of the IJ series Electrostatic An electric field is used to Low power Field strength Silverbrook, EP 0771 accelerate selected drops Simple print head required for 658 A2 and related towards the print medium. construction separation of patent applications small drops is Tone-Jet near or above air breakdown Direct A magnetic field is used to Low power Requires Silverbrook, EP 0771 magnetic field accelerate selected drops Simple print head magnetic ink 658 A2 and related of magnetic ink towards construction Requires strong patent applications the print medium. magnetic field Cross The print head is placed in Does not require Requires IJ06, IJ16 magnetic field a constant magnetic field. magnetic materials to be external magnet The Lorenz force in a integrated in the print Current current carrying wire is head manufacturing densities may be used to move the actuator. process high, resulting in electromigration problems Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field is Very low power Complex print IJ10 magnetic field used to cyclically attract a operation is possible head construction paddle, which pushes on Small print head size Magnetic the ink. A small actuator materials required moves a catch, which in print head selectively prevents the paddle from moving.

ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD Actuator amplification Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuator mechanical Operational Many actuator Thermal Bubble amplification is used. simplicity mechanisms have Inkjet The actuator directly insufficient travel, or IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, drives the drop ejection insufficient force, to IJ07 process. efficiently drive the drop IJ16, IJ25, IJ26 ejection process Differential An actuator material Provides greater High stresses are Piezoelectric expansion expands more on one travel in a reduced print involved IJ03, IJ09, IJ17– bend actuator side than on the other. head area Care must be taken that IJ24 The expansion may be The bend actuator the materials do not IJ27, IJ29–IJ39, thermal, piezoelectric, converts a high force delaminate IJ42, magnetostrictive, or other low travel actuator Residual bend resulting IJ43, IJ44 mechanism. mechanism to high from high temperature or travel, lower force high stress during mechanism. formation Transient A trilayer bend actuator Very good High stresses are IJ40, IJ41 bend actuator where the two outside temperature stability involved layers are identical. This High speed, as a new Care must be taken that cancels bend due to drop can be fired the materials do not ambient temperature and before heat dissipates delaminate residual stress. The Cancels residual actuator only responds to stress of formation transient heating of one side or the other. Actuator stack A series of thin actuators Increased travel Increased fabrication Some piezoelectric are stacked. This can be Reduced drive complexity ink jets appropriate where voltage Increased possibility of IJ04 actuators require high short circuits due to electric field strength, pinholes such as electrostatic and piezoelectric actuators. Multiple Multiple smaller Increases the force Actuator forces may not IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, actuators actuators are used available from an add linearly, reducing IJ20 simultaneously to move actuator efficiency IJ22, IJ28, IJ42, the ink. Each actuator Multiple actuators IJ43 need provide only a can be positioned to portion of the force control ink flow required. accurately Linear Spring A linear spring is used to Matches low travel Requires print head area IJ15 transform a motion with actuator with higher for the spring small travel and high travel requirements force into a longer travel, Non-contact method lower force motion, of motion transformation Reverse spring The actuator loads a Better coupling to the Fabrication complexity IJ05, IJ11 spring. When the ink High stress in the spring actuator is turned off, the spring releases. This can reverse the force/distance curve of the actuator to make it compatible with the force/time requirements of the drop ejection. Coiled A bend actuator is coiled Increases travel Generally restricted to IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, actuator to provide greater travel Reduces chip area planar implementations IJ35 in a reduced chip area. Planar due to extreme fabrication implementations are difficulty in other relatively easy to orientations. fabricate. Flexure bend A bend actuator has a Simple means of Care must be taken not IJ10, IJ19, IJ33 actuator small region near the increasing travel of a to exceed the elastic limit fixture point, which bend actuator in the flexure area flexes much more readily Stress distribution is than the remainder of the very uneven actuator. The actuator Difficult to accurately flexing is effectively model with finite element converted from an even analysis coiling to an angular bend, resulting in greater travel of the actuator tip. Gears Gears can be used to Low force, low travel Moving parts are IJ13 increase travel at the actuators can be used required expense of duration. Can be fabricated Several actuator cycles Circular gears, rack and using standard surface are required pinion, ratchets, and MEMS processes More complex drive other gearing methods electronics can be used. Complex construction Friction, friction, and wear are possible Catch The actuator controls a Very low actuator Complex construction IJ10 small catch. The catch energy Requires external force either enables or disables Very small actuator Unsuitable for movement of an ink size pigmented inks pusher that is controlled in a bulk manner. Buckle plate A buckle plate can be Very fast movement Must stay within elastic S. Hirata et al, “An used to change a slow achievable limits of the materials for Ink-jet Head . . . ”, actuator into a fast long device life Proc. IEEE MEMS, motion. It can also High stresses involved February 1996, pp 418– convert a high force, low Generally high power 423. travel actuator into a high requirement IJ18, IJ27 travel, medium force motion. Tapered A tapered magnetic pole Linearizes the Complex construction IJ14 magnetic pole can increase travel at the magnetic force/distance expense of force. curve Lever A lever and fulcrum is Matches low travel High stress around the IJ32, IJ36, IJ37 used to transform a actuator with higher fulcrum motion with small travel travel requirements and high force into a Fulcrum area has no motion with longer travel linear movement, and and lower force. The can be used for a fluid lever can also reverse the seal direction of travel. Rotary The actuator is connected High mechanical Complex construction IJ28 impeller to a rotary impeller. A advantage Unsuitable for small angular deflection The ratio of force to pigmented inks of the actuator results in travel of the actuator a rotation of the impeller can be matched to the vanes, which push the ink nozzle requirements by against stationary vanes varying the number of and out of the nozzle. impeller vanes Acoustic lens A refractive or diffractive No moving parts Large area required 1993 Hadimioglu (e.g. zone plate) acoustic Only relevant for et al, EUP 550,192 lens is used to acoustic ink jets 1993 Elrod et al, concentrate sound waves. EUP 572,220 Sharp A sharp point is used to Simple construction Difficult to fabricate Tone-jet conductive concentrate an using standard VLSI point electrostatic field. processes for a surface ejecting ink-jet Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets

ACTUATOR MOTION Actuator motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Volume The volume of the Simple construction in High energy is Hewlett- expansion actuator changes, the case of thermal ink jet typically required to Packard Thermal pushing the ink in all achieve volume Inkjet directions. expansion. This leads Canon to thermal stress, Bubblejet cavitation, and kogation in thermal ink jet implementations Linear, normal The actuator moves in a Efficient coupling to ink High fabrication IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, to chip surface direction normal to the drops ejected normal to the complexity may be IJ07 print head surface. The surface required to achieve IJ11, IJ14 nozzle is typically in the perpendicular motion line of movement. Linear, parallel The actuator moves Suitable for planar Fabrication IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, to chip surface parallel to the print head fabrication complexity IJ33, surface. Drop ejection Friction IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 may still be normal to the Stiction surface. Membrane push An actuator with a high The effective area of the Fabrication 1982 Howkins force but small area is actuator becomes the complexity U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,601 used to push a stiff membrane area Actuator size membrane that is in Difficulty of contact with the ink. integration in a VLSI process Rotary The actuator causes the Rotary levers may be Device complexity IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, rotation of some element, used to increase travel May have friction at IJ28 such a grill or impeller Small chip area a pivot point requirements Bend The actuator bends when A very small change in Requires the actuator 1970 Kyser et energized. This may be dimensions can be to be made from at al U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398 due to differential converted to a large least two distinct 1973 Stemme thermal expansion, motion. layers, or to have a U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,120 piezoelectric expansion, thermal difference IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, magnetostriction, or across the actuator IJ19 other form of relative IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, dimensional change. IJ29 IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34 IJ35 Swivel The actuator swivels Allows operation where Inefficient coupling IJ06 around a central pivot, the net linear force on the to the ink motion This motion is suitable paddle is zero where there are opposite Small chip area forces applied to requirements opposite sides of the paddle, e.g. Lorenz force. Straighten The actuator is normally Can be used with shape Requires careful IJ26, IJ32 bent, and straightens memory alloys where the balance of stresses to when energized. austenic phase is planar ensure that the quiescent bend is accurate Double bend The actuator bends in One actuator can be used Difficult to make the IJ36, IJ37, IJ38 one direction when one to power two nozzles. drops ejected by both element is energized, and Reduced chip size. bend directions bends the other way Not sensitive to ambient identical. when another element is temperature A small efficiency energized. loss compared to equivalent single bend actuators. Shear Energizing the actuator Can increase the Not readily 1985 Fishbeck causes a shear motion in effective travel of applicable to other U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,590 the actuator material. piezoelectric actuators actuator mechanisms Radial The actuator squeezes an Relatively easy to High force required 1970 Zoltan constriction ink reservoir, forcing ink fabricate single nozzles Inefficient U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,212 from a constricted from glass tubing as Difficult to integrate nozzle. macroscopic structures with VLSI processes Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator uncoils Easy to fabricate as a Difficult to fabricate IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, or coils more tightly. The planar VLSI process for non-planar devices IJ35 motion of the free end of Small area required, Poor out-of-plane the actuator ejects the therefore low cost stiffness ink. Bow The actuator bows (or Can increase the speed Maximum travel is IJ16, IJ18, IJ27 buckles) in the middle of travel constrained when energized. Mechanically rigid High force required Push-Pull Two actuators control a The structure is pinned Not readily suitable IJ18 shutter. One actuator at both ends, so has a high for inkjets which pulls the shutter, and the out-of-plane rigidity directly push the ink other pushes it. Curl inwards A set of actuators curl Good fluid flow to the Design complexity IJ20, IJ42 inwards to reduce the region behind the actuator volume of ink that they increases efficiency enclose. Curl outwards A set of actuators curl Relatively simple Relatively large chip IJ43 outwards, pressurizing construction area ink in a chamber surrounding the actuators, and expelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber. Iris Multiple vanes enclose a High efficiency High fabrication IJ22 volume of ink. These Small chip area complexity simultaneously rotate, Not suitable for reducing the volume pigmented inks between the vanes. Acoustic The actuator vibrates at a The actuator can be Large area required 1993 vibration high frequency. physically distant from the for efficient operation Hadimioglu et al, ink at useful frequencies EUP 550,192 Acoustic coupling 1993 Elrod et and crosstalk al, EUP 572,220 Complex drive circuitry Poor control of drop volume and position None In various ink jet designs No moving parts Various other Silverbrook, EP the actuator does not tradeoffs are required 0771 658 A2 and move. to eliminate moving related patent parts applications Tone-jet

NOZZLE REFILL METHOD Nozzle refill method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Surface After the actuator is Fabrication Low speed Thermal inkjet tension energized, it typically simplicity Surface tension Piezoelectric inkjet returns rapidly to its Operational force relatively IJ01–1107, IJ10–1114 normal position. This simplicity small compared to IJ16, IJ20, IJ22–IJ45 rapid return sucks in air actuator force through the nozzle Long refill time opening. The ink surface usually dominates tension at the nozzle then the total repetition exerts a small force rate restoring the meniscus to a minimum area. Shuttered Ink to the nozzle High speed Requires common IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 oscillating ink chamber is provided at a Low actuator ink pressure IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 pressure pressure that oscillates at energy, as the oscillator twice the drop ejection actuator need May not be frequency. When a drop only open or suitable for is to be ejected, the close the shutter, pigmented inks shutter is opened for 3 instead of half cycles: drop ejecting the ink ejection, actuator return, drop and refill. Refill actuator After the main actuator High speed, as Requires two IJ09 has ejected a drop a the nozzle is independent second (refill) actuator is actively refilled actuators per nozzle energized. The refill actuator pushes ink into the nozzle chamber. The refill actuator returns slowly, to prevent its return from emptying the chamber again. Positive ink The ink is held a slight High refill Surface spill must Silverbrook, EP 0771 658 pressure positive pressure. After rate, therefore a be prevented A2 and related patent the ink drop is ejected, high drop Highly applications the nozzle chamber fills repetition rate is hydrophobic print Alternative for: quickly as surface possible head surfaces are IJ01–1107, IJ10–IJ14 tension and ink pressure required IJ16, IJ20, IJ22–1145 both operate to refill the nozzle.

METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET Inlet back-flow restriction method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Long inlet The ink inlet channel to Design simplicity Restricts refill rate Thermal inkjet channel the nozzle chamber is Operational simplicity May result in a Piezoelectric inkjet made long and Reduces crosstalk relatively large chip IJ42, IJ43 relatively narrow, area relying on viscous drag Only partially to reduce inlet back- effective flow. Positive ink The ink is under a Drop selection and Requires a method Silverbrook, EP pressure positive pressure, so separation forces can be (such as a nozzle rim or 0771 658 A2 and that in the quiescent reduced effective related patent state some of the ink Fast refill time hydrophobizing, or applications drop already protrudes both) to prevent Possible operation from the nozzle. flooding of the ejection of the following: This reduces the surface of the print IJ01–IJ07, IJ09– pressure in the nozzle head. IJ12 chamber which is IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, required to eject a IJ22, certain volume of ink. IJ23–IJ34, IJ36– The reduction in IJ41 chamber pressure IJ44 results in a reduction in ink pushed out through the inlet. Baffle One or more baffles are The refill rate is not as Design complexity HP Thermal Ink Jet placed in the inlet ink restricted as the long May increase Tektronix flow. When the inlet method. fabrication complexity piezoelectric ink jet actuator is energized, Reduces crosstalk (e.g. Tektronix hot melt the rapid ink movement Piezoelectric print creates eddies which heads). restrict the flow through the inlet. The slower refill process is unrestricted, and does not result in eddies. Flexible flap In this method recently Significantly reduces Not applicable to Canon restricts inlet disclosed by Canon, the back-flow for edge- most inkjet expanding actuator shooter thermal ink jet configurations (bubble) pushes on a devices Increased fabrication flexible flap that complexity restricts the inlet. Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet filter A filter is located Additional advantage Restricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12, IJ24, between the ink inlet of ink filtration May result in IJ27 and the nozzle Ink filter may be complex construction IJ29, IJ30 chamber. The filter has fabricated with no a multitude of small additional process steps holes or slots, restricting ink flow. The filter also removes particles which may block the nozzle. Small inlet The ink inlet channel to Design simplicity Restricts refill rate IJ02, IJ37, IJ44 compared to the nozzle chamber has May result in a nozzle a substantially smaller relatively large chip cross section than that area of the nozzle, resulting Only partially in easier ink egress Out effective of the nozzle than out of the inlet. Inlet shutter A secondary actuator Increases speed of the Requires separate IJ09 controls the position of ink-jet print head refill actuator and drive a shutter, closing off operation circuit the ink inlet when the main actuator is energized. The inlet is The method avoids the Back-flow problem is Requires careful IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, located behind problem of inlet back- eliminated design to minimize the IJ06 the ink-pushing flow by arranging the negative pressure IJ07, IJ10, IJ11, surface ink-pushing surface of behind the paddle IJ14 the actuator between IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, the inlet and the nozzle. IJ25 IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33 IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39 IJ40, IJ41 Part of the The actuator and a wall Significant reductions Small increase in IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, actuator moves of the ink chamber are in back-flow can be fabrication complexity IJ38 to shut off the arranged so that the achieved inlet motion of the actuator Compact designs closes off the inlet. possible Nozzle actuator In some configurations Ink back-flow problem None related to ink Silverbrook, EP does not result of ink jet, there is no is eliminated back-flow on actuation 0771 658 A2 and in ink back-flow expansion or movement related patent of an actuator which applications may cause ink back- Valve-jet flow through the inlet. Tone-jet IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21

NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD Nozzle Clearing method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Normal nozzle All of the nozzles are No added complexity May not be sufficient Most ink jet systems firing fired periodically, before on the print head to displace dried ink IJ01–IJ07, IJ09–IJ12 the ink has a chance to IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 dry. When not in use the IJ23–IJ34, IJ36–IJ45 nozzles are sealed (capped) against air. The nozzle firing is usually performed during a special clearing cycle, after first moving the print head to a cleaning station. Extra power to In systems which heat the Can be highly Requires higher drive Silverbrook, EP 0771 ink heater ink, but do not boil it effective if the heater is voltage for clearing 658 A2 and related under normal situations, adjacent to the nozzle May require larger patent applications nozzle clearing can be drive transistors achieved by over- powering the heater and boiling ink at the nozzle. Rapid The actuator is fired in Does not require Effectiveness May be used with: succession of rapid succession. In some extra drive circuits on depends substantially IJ01–IJ07, IJ09–IJ11 actuator pulses configurations, this may the print head upon the configuration IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 cause heat build-up at the Can be readily of the inkjet nozzle IJ23–IJ25, IJ27–IJ34 nozzle which boils the controlled and initiated IJ36–IJ45 ink, clearing the nozzle. by digital logic In other situations, it may cause sufficient vibrations to dislodge clogged nozzles. Extra power to Where an actuator is not A simple solution Not suitable where May be used with: ink pushing normally driven to the where applicable there is a hard limit to IJ03, IJ09, IJ16, IJ20 actuator limit of its motion, actuator movement IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ27 nozzle clearing may be IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 assisted by providing an IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42 enhanced drive signal to IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 the actuator. Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is A high nozzle High implementation IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 resonance applied to the ink clearing capability can cost if system does not IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 chamber. This wave is of be achieved already include an an appropriate amplitude May be implemented acoustic actuator and frequency to cause at very low cost in sufficient force at the systems which already nozzle to clear include acoustic blockages. This is easiest actuators to achieve if the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant frequency of the ink cavity. Nozzle clearing A microfabricated plate Can clear severely Accurate mechanical Silverbrook, EP 0771 plate is pushed against the clogged nozzles alignment is required 658 A2 and related nozzles. The plate has a Moving parts are patent applications post for every nozzle. required The array of posts There is risk of damage to the nozzles Accurate fabrication is required Ink pressure The pressure of the ink is May be effective Requires pressure May be used with all pulse temporarily increased so where other methods pump or other pressure IJ series ink jets that ink streams from all cannot be used actuator of the nozzles. This may Expensive be used in conjunction Wasteful of ink with actuator energizing. Print head A flexible ‘blade’ is Effective for planar Difficult to use if Many ink jet systems wiper wiped across the print print head surfaces print head surface is head surface. The blade Low cost non-planar or very is usually fabricated from fragile a flexible polymer, e.g. Requires mechanical rubber or synthetic parts elastomer. Blade can wear out in high volume print systems Separate ink A separate heater is Can be effective Fabrication Can be used with boiling heater provided at the nozzle where other nozzle complexity many IJ series ink jets although the normal drop clearing methods e-ection mechanism does cannot be used not require it. The Can be implemented heaters do not require at no additional cost in individual drive circuits, some inkjet as many nozzles can be configurations cleared simultaneously, and no imaging is required.

NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION Nozzle plate construction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Electroformed A nozzle plate is Fabrication High temperatures and Hewlett Packard nickel separately fabricated simplicity pressures are required to Thermal Inkjet from electroformed bond nozzle plate nickel, and bonded to Minimum thickness the print head chip. constraints Differential thermal expansion Laser ablated Individual nozzle holes No masks required Each hole must be Canon Bubblejet or drilled are ablated by an Can be quite fast individually formed 1988 Sercel et al., polymer intense UV laser in a Some control over Special equipment SPIE, Vol. 998 nozzle plate, which is nozzle profile is required Excimer Beam typically a polymer possible Slow where there are Applications, pp. such as polyimide or Equipment required many thousands of nozzles 76–83 polysulphone is relatively low cost per print head 1993 Watanabe et May produce thin burrs at al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604 exit holes Silicon micro- A separate nozzle plate High accuracy is Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE machined is micromachined from attainable High cost Transactions on single crystal silicon, Requires precision Electron Devices, and bonded to the print alignment Vol. ED-25, No. head wafer. Nozzles may be clogged 10, 1978, pp 1185– by adhesive 1195 Xerox 1990 Hawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Glass Fine glass capillaries No expensive Very small nozzle sizes 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. capillaries are drawn from glass equipment required are difficult to form 3,683,212 tubing. This method Simple to make Not suited for mass has been used for single nozzles production making individual nozzles, but is difficult to use for bulk manufacturing of print heads with thousands of nozzles. Monolithic, The nozzle plate is High accuracy (<1 Requires sacrificial layer Silverbrook, EP surface micro- deposited as a layer μm) under the nozzle plate to 0771 658 A2 and machined using standard VLSI Monolithic form the nozzle chamber related patent using VLSI deposition techniques. Low cost Surface may be fragile to applications lithographic Nozzles are etched in Existing processes the touch IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, processes the nozzle plate using can be used IJ11 VLSI lithography and IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, etching. IJ20 IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37 IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41 IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, The nozzle plate is a High accuracy (<1 Requires long etch times IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, etched buried etch stop in the μm) Requires a support wafer IJ07 through wafer. Nozzle Monolithic IJ08, IJ09, IJ10, substrate chambers are etched in Low cost IJ13 the front of the wafer, No differential IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, and the wafer is thinned expansion IJ19 from the back side. IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, Nozzles are then etched IJ26 in the etch stop layer. No nozzle Various methods have No nozzles to Difficult to control drop Ricoh 1995 plate been tried to eliminate become clogged position accurately Sekiya et al U.S. Pat. No. the nozzles entirely, to Crosstalk problems 5,412,413 prevent nozzle 1993 Hadimioglu clogging. These include et al EUP 550,192 thermal bubble 1993 Elrod et al mechanisms and EUP 572,220 acoustic lens mechanisms Trough Each drop ejector has a Reduced Drop firing direction is IJ35 trough through which a manufacturing sensitive to wicking. paddle moves. There is complexity no nozzle plate. Monolithic Nozzle slit The elimination of No nozzles to Difficult to control drop 1989 Saito et al instead of nozzle holes and become clogged position accurately U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068 individual replacement by a slit Crosstalk problems nozzles encompassing many actuator positions reduces nozzle clogging, but increases crosstalk due to ink surface waves

DROP EJECTION DIRECTION Ejection direction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Edge Ink flow is along the Simple construction Nozzles limited Cannon Bubblejet (‘edge shooter’) surface of the chip, and No silicon etching to edge 1979 Endo et al GB ink drops are ejected required High resolution is patent 2,007,162 from the chip edge. Good heat sinking via difficult Xerox heater-in-pit substrate Fast color 1990 Hawkins et al Mechanically strong printing requires U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Ease of chip handing one print head per Tone-jet color Surface Ink flow is along the No bulk silicon etching Maximum ink Hewlett-Packard (’roof shooter’) surface of the chip, and required flow is severely TIJ 1982 Vaught et al ink drops are ejected Silicon can make an restricted U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728 from the chip surface, effective heat sink IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, normal to the plane of the Mechanical strength IJ20 chip. IJ22 Through chip, Ink flow is through the High ink flow Requires bulk Silverbrook, EP forward chip, and ink drops are Suitable for pagewidth silicon etching 0771 658 A2 and (‘up shooter’) ejected from the front print related patent surface of the chip. High nozzle packing applications density therefore low IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, manufacturing cost IJ24 IJ27–IJ45 Through chip, Ink flow is through the High ink flow Requires wafer IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, reverse chip, and ink drops are Suitable for pagewidth thinning IJ06 (‘down ejected from the rear print Requires special IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, shooter’) surface of the chip. High nozzle packing handling during IJ10 density therefore low manufacture IJ13, IJ14, IJ15, manufacturing cost IJ16 IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ25 IJ26 Through Ink flow is through the Suitable for Pagewidth print Epson Stylus actuator actuator, which is not piezoelectric print heads heads require Tektronix hot melt fabricated as part of the several thousand piezolectric ink jets same substrate as the connections to drive drive transistors. circuits Cannot be manufactured in standard CMOS fabs Complex assembly required

INK TYPE Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous, dye Water based ink Environmentally Slow drying Most existing inkjets which typically friendly Corrosive All IJ series ink jets contains: water, dye, No odor Bleeds on paper Silverbrook, EP 0771 surfactant, humectant, May strikethrough 658 A2 and related and biocide. Cockles pater patent applications Modern ink dyes have high water- fastness, light fastness Aqueous, Water based ink Environmentally Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26 pigment which typically friendly Corrosive IJ27, IJ30 contains: water, No odor Pigment may clog Silverbrook, EP 0771 pigment, surfactant, Reduced bleed nozzles 658 A2 and related humectant, and Reduced wicking Pigment may clog patent applications biocide. Reduced actuator mechanisms Piezoelectric ink-jets Pigments have an strikethrough Cockles paper Thermal ink jets (with advantage in reduced significant restrictions) bleed, wicking and strikethrough. Methyl Ethyl MEK is a highly Very fast drying Odorous All IJ series ink jets Ketone (MEK) volatile solvent used Prints on various Flammable for industrial printing substrates such as on difficult surfaces metals and plastics such as aluminum cans. Alcohol Alcohol based inks Fast drying Slight odor All IJ series ink jets (ethanol, 2- can be used where the Operates at sub- Flammable butanol, and printer must operate freezing temperatures others) at temperatures below Reduced paper the freezing point of cockle water. An example of Low cost this is in-camera consumer photographic printing. Phase change The ink is solid at No drying time- ink High viscosity Tektronix hot melt (hot melt) room temperature, instantly freezes on the Printed ink typically piezoelectric ink jets and is melted in the print medium has a ‘waxy’ feel 1989 Nowak U.S. Pat. No. print head before Almost any print Printed pages may 4,820,346 jetting. Hot melt inks medium can be used ‘block’ All IJ series ink jets are usually wax No paper cockle Ink temperature may based, with a melting occurs be above the curie point point around 80° C. No wicking occurs of permanent magnets After jetting the ink No bleed occurs Ink heaters consume freezes almost No strikethrough power instantly upon occurs Long warm-up time contacting the print medium or a transfer roller. Oil Oil based inks are High solubility High viscosity: this is a All IJ series ink jets extensively used in medium for some dyes significant limitation for offset printing. They Does not cockle use in inkjets, which have advantages in paper usually require a low improved Does not wick viscosity. Some short characteristics on through paper chain and multi-branched paper (especially no oils have a sufficiently wicking or cockle). low viscosity. Oil soluble dies and Slow drying pigments are required. Microemulsion A microemulsion is a Stops ink bleed Viscosity higher than All IJ series ink jets stable, self forming High dye solubility water emulsion of oil, Water, oil, and Cost is slightly higher water, and surfactant. amphiphilic soluble than water based ink The characteristic dies can be used High surfactant drop size is less than Can stabilize pigment concentration required 100 nm, and is suspensions (around 5%) determined by the preferred curvature of the surfactant. 

1. A camera system for outputting deblurred still images, said system comprising: a portable handheld camera device comprising an image sensor adapted to capture a still, blurred image comprising at least one blurred pixel; a velocity detector adapted to determine the velocity of the camera system relative to an external environment and to produce a velocity output indicative thereof; a linear image sensor for sensing data provided on at least one encoded card inserted into the camera system, the at least one encoded card containing instructions for the manipulation of the blurred images; and a processor adapted to receive said blurred image from said image sensor and said velocity output from said velocity detector and to process said blurred image under programme control determined from data sensed by the linear image sensor from the at least one encoded card, the programme control utilising the velocity output to deblur said at least one blurred pixel of said blurred image and to output said deblurred still image and wherein said processor is connected to an integral inkjet printer internal to said portable handheld camera device for output of said deblurred still image on print media.
 2. A camera system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said velocity detector comprises an accelerometer.
 3. A camera system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said accelerometer comprises: a micro-electro mechanical device. 